Physicist Stephen Hawking Dies At 76, Family Says

posted by RJ Johnson - @rickerthewriter -

Renowned physicist Professor Stephen Hawking has passed away his family confirmed in a statement Tuesday.

Hawking died at his home in Cambridge, England at the age of 76.

His children Lucy, Robert, and Tim issued a statement about their father's death:

"We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today. He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years. His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world. He once said, 'It would not be much of a universe if it wasn't home to the people you love.' We will miss him forever."

He was diagnosed with ALS in 1963 when he was 21 years old. The progression of the illness led to his eventual paralysis. The only way Hawking was able to communicate in his later years was through the help of a device attached to a cheek muscle that used a text-to-speech program that provided a voice for him.

Hawking was best known for his work as a theoretical physicist, cosmologist, author and even sometime actor. He made multiple appearances on "The Big Bang Theory," The Simpsons, Futurama and his life story was portrayed by Eddie Redmayne in the 2014 "The Theory of Everything."

He also held the position as Cambridge University's Lucasian Professorship of Mathematics, a position that has been held by only 17 people in history - including the father of physics, Issac Newton.

His scientific work on gravitational theories and black holes led to a revolution in the field of cosmology. His book "A Brief History of Time" appeared on the best-seller list for a record-breaking 237 weeks.

People were quick to express the loss they were feeling about Hawking's passing online:

His passing has left an intellectual vacuum in his wake. But it's not empty. Think of it as a kind of vacuum energy permeating the fabric of spacetime that defies measure. Stephen Hawking, RIP 1942-2018. pic.twitter.com/nAanMySqkt

Our world has lost a shining light. Stephen Hawking defied expectation. Blessed with a brilliant mind and uncommon grace, he opened so many minds to the wonders of our universe. Courageous and unbowed by adversity, he believed deeply in the power reason. May he rest in peace.